1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Oil Type & Capacity
The 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier takes 5W-30 motor oil — 4.0 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 4.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, 2D Coupe, Automatic, 3T40/MD9 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 2D Coupe, Automatic, 4T40E/MN4 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 2D Coupe, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 4D Sedan, Automatic, 3T40/MD9 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 4D Sedan, Automatic, 4T40E/MN4 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 4D Sedan, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| LS, 2D Convertible, 2.2 4 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| LS, 2D Convertible, 2.4 T, Automatic | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| LS, 2D Convertible, 2.4 T, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| LS, 4D Sedan, 2.2 4 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| LS, 4D Sedan, 2.4 T | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| RS, Automatic, 3T40/MD9 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| RS, Automatic, 4T40E/MN4 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| RS, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Z24, Automatic | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Z24, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
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More specs & repair guides for your Cavalier
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
10.3 quarts (9.74 L) — 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean water (preferably distilled)
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier take?
The 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier takes 5W-30 motor oil (API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F)), per the factory service manual.
How much oil does a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier take?
The 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier holds 4.0 quarts with a filter change.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.